I like to hear some opinions Damone Clark's second season

[baltcowboy]

The Jabril Cox hype saw him as a Commander out of town . Hope this Ends better for Dallas

Cox never got the playing time that Clark did and was a higher draft choice. I don’t know many 5th round picks that are starting linebackers on top 5 defenses. Clark has been average. Certainly is an NFL linebacker but if we got a chance to draft a stud Mike in the first round we need to take that chance.

 

[Plankton]

I don't think that he's particularly instinctive, or a quick reactor for that matter. I also see him helping his teammates up off the ground more than I see him make plays. Clark tries hard, and physically looks the part, but he doesn't make enough plays and does it even less close to the line. They should not approach the next offseason as if he is a shoe-in as a starter. Clark needs to face competition for a starting job.

 

[kskboys]

I don't think that he's particularly instinctive, or a quick reactor for that matter. I also see him helping his teammates up off the ground more than I see him make plays. Clark tries hard, and physically looks the part, but he doesn't make enough plays and does it even less close to the line. They should not approach the next offseason as if he is a shoe-in as a starter. Clark needs to face competition for a starting job.

See scouting report previously posted.

 

[kskboys]

In one word?

.....Inauspicious.

Yeah, he's there. I would say he is doing an average job. It's not easy being the only true starting LB for the Cowboys that weigh more than 205.LBS.

However, I expected a much steeper rise in performance given his late season development in 2022. The narrative was that he would have been a much higher pick had it not been for his injury and that taking a risk on him was going to pay dividends, he was considered a steal.

He's functional and the design of the defense is not his fault. He's having to dodge the big boys to get to the ball carrier.

Those O-linemen should be engaged with some huge DT cluttering up the middle. However, Hankins is hurt and Mazi is inexperienced, so Clark is trying to do his job with a huge target on his back. He should be in search and destroy mode, not the opponent's blockers.

It's a combination of team design and Clark's inability to play up to the next level. I had him contributing with a breakout season, it's disappointing.

See scouting report.

 

[HabsCowboysOwn]

JAG.

 

[plasticman]

See scouting report.

Is this like......homework?

If you disagree with my opinion, stating the reasons would be the next step. Feel free to make use of this scouting report.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Let's keep in mind he was the 176th player taken making him a late 5th rounder (4 picks away from being a 6th rounder) last year.

The chances of him making the 53 is below 5%. He did and is now starting and getting significant snaps.

As for his play, is there room for improvement? Lots. Is he significantly better than when he was drafted? Lots.

The real question is, has he reached his ceiling or is there still room for him to improve? That question won't be answered until next summer. My guess is the Cowboys draft a LB fairly high and also count heavily on Overshown next year with Clark counted on to be a solid backup.

 

[Bobhaze]

Objectively, Damone Clark has been decent at times and also at times looks undersized and unable to take on and shed blocks from big linemen. He’s quick and rangy but he looks like a guy who’s still trying to figure out the position. Clark is good to have but he is not (so far) more than an adequate LB.

I have believed going back to the off-season that LB was a weakness for this defense. We are also depending on Marquese Bell, who has had some good moments too, but frankly looks like a safety trying to play LB. Which is actually what he is. Again, I like Clark and Bell but IMO they are never going to be more than decent players.

Frankly, the Cowboys need some major help at LB this off-season. I expect to see just that in the draft and FA.

 

[CCBoy]

With their first pick of the 2024 draft the Cowboys select...

Texas has a pretty good linebacker.

 

[CCBoy]

Let's keep in mind he was the 176th player taken making him a late 5th rounder (4 picks away from being a 6th rounder) last year.

The chances of him making the 53 is below 5%. He did and is now starting and getting significant snaps.

As for his play, is there room for improvement? Lots. Is he significantly better than when he was drafted? Lots.

The real question is, has he reached his ceiling or is there still room for him to improve? That question won't be answered until next summer. My guess is the Cowboys draft a LB fairly high and also count heavily on Overshown next year with Clark counted on to be a solid backup.

Right here and now, there is a lot on his shoulders. I wish he chewed more glass for breakfast.

 

[kiheikiwi]

I like Clark, If he coulda been the relief backer to come in behind Vanderech (sp) he would be more of an impact. But it feels like with a small Bell.beside him, he's thinking too much and trying to make sure he's watching out for Bell. I think he will be better next year with a couple of thumper in to help him. We really will.need to draft in early round(s) and FA.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds058]

Even if LVE comes back, LB is still a weak link and needs an upgrade big time.

 

[RoboQB]

Currently, he makes me miss LVE.

 

[KJammin]

I must admit, I really had high hopes he would turn out to be a steal in the 5th round and play above his draft position. But so far he has not shown me instincts necessary to be a top LB and he doesn’t appear to be physical at all at the point of attack. He manages gets guys to the ground but he is not intent on delivering a hard blow or delivering a message at all. I dont really see the speed that Micah P mentioned he had either. I hate to say it because I know it’s early in his career but I don’t see the traits to be a top LB in the league. He’s a jag based on what if seen so far, not a difference maker. I was hoping he would add to the class like fellow 5th rounder Bland & 4th roun TE who’s name escapes me right now.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Even if LVE comes back

The chances of that happening are below 1%. Draft his replacement and move on.

 

[BBGTYCOON]

"Info processing is still developing. Late to recognize route development. Short area quickness is lackluster. Slap tackler who doesn't drive his weight thru targets. Poor lateral mover who will have to eat blocks to get around them. Slow to reve up his engines in pursuit. Play speed rarely reaches full potential......"

Translation: Lacks burst and lateral agility. If you think about it, this is the same type of inconsistencies we saw w/ Jeff Heath. Guys who don't turn well(get this) don't turn well. It's not something that can be learned. Damone will always have these limitations due to poor lateral agility and burst.

I have no idea why people started seeing him as a high draft pick. The stuff I looked at puts him in the 6th round, which is what he's playing like.

 

[Starforever]

Damone seems like the type of player that lacks confidence without players around him with equal or better abilities.

 

[Zekeats]

I remember when Ken Norton Jr. was a ok LB that wasn't much to talk about, but something clicked and he became a leader of a SB Defense. Damone is in his first full year of starting, and Idk if he'll become a impact player but I'll have some grace about his game.

Nice story

 

[Zekeats]

Same lack of lateral agility. You absolutely will not be able to play LB at a high level if you can't cut and turn quickly.

Ask Danny Dimes about Cox lateral agility

 

[Captain-Crash]

we need to go back to some guy who jumps out of the way of contact but will jump on the pile 10 yards down the field. A guy who will run to celebrate with the team in the end zone, while pushing guys out of the way to get in front of the camera. A guy who drags his foot would be a requirement. go, Cowboys, we need another project. How about another guy with neck problems, we already tried 2, can we get one more?